Ashley Williams (Stockport)
Swansea have been a club on the rise in recent years,. After promotion under Kenny Jackett in 2005 they established themselves in league one before having a storming season last time out. Former Swansea player Roberto Martinez became manager and got his side playing a fast passing style of game than was far too good for the rest of league one to cope with. They had Jason Scotland up front who scored plenty of goals and a midfield which loved to get forward. They ran away with the league and won the title with four games to spare but were not allowed the trophy straight away due to the farcical situations with Leeds United. They did have some low points as they lost
to Havant and Waterlooville in the FA Cup to rob them of a trip
to Anfield but no fans were complaining and their exciting style
of football made sure it was a season to remember for the league
one champions.
Swansea are another side coming up with plenty of momentum behind them and will be the second Welsh side in the Championship this season which will make for two interesting games against Cardiff. Martinez has put together a decent looking squad but the loss of Andy Robinson could prove to be a big blow for them as he was a key player for them last year. They look to have a decent side though and up front Jason Scotland should provide a few problems for defences this season. Loan signing Fabien brandy from Manchester united is an interesting one. Brandy is highly rated and could well push them fork a amid table side into the playoffs if he adapts quickly to championship football. Swansea will have big home support making it difficult for teams to get much out of them and with a very contently looking midfield they will certainly look to play some attractive football. I expect them to do quite well but nothing
spectacular. With a good start they could easily find themselves
doing a Bristol City and sitting in the playoffs all season but
I’ll go with safety and a lower half of the table position PREDICTION: 17th in the Championship
I asked Swanseay fans on an unofficial message board for their thoughts on the new season and here is what they had to say. How do you think Swansea will fare this season? I'm optimsitic so I'll say top half Who are your players to watch out for? Jason Scotland Is your Manager the right man for the job? Yes, he's the best manager in the football league Which three teams will be promoted this season? Birmingham, Sheffield United and QPR Which teams will be relegated? Blackpool, Barnsley and Plymouth How do you think QPR will fare this season? Promoted via playoffs
In recent years we’ve shared a few players with Swansea mainly due to the Kenny Jackett connection. Dennis Oli had a short spell in Wales with the Swans whilst former young player of the season MarcusBbean and Kevin McLeod both had decent spells at both QPR and Swansea . Karl Connolly had a few forgettable years at QPR before moving on to end his career at Swansea City . Going back further the late great Robbie James
was a legend at Swansea and a very good player for QPR playing a
big part in getting the side to the Milk Cup final in 1986
QPR have faced Swansea just twice in recent years and have not met each other in the league since 1981. We were on the end of a 4-0 hiding in the FA Cup back in 2001 on the day that kevin Gallen was announced as a new signing. In 2004 Kenny Jackett brought his Swansea
side to QPR but the result was different this time with Rangers
winning 3-0. Click on the match for a report of the game from this web site.
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